Ingredients
Method
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, orange zest, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend until smooth.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the top opening in a thin, steady stream until the vinaigrette is creamy and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Set aside 1 1/4 cups of the vinaigrette for the chicken marinade and refrigerate the remaining 1 1/4 cups to use later for the salad.
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the reserved 1 1/4 cups vinaigrette with the additional 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes; do not exceed 1 hour to avoid toughening the meat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
Grill the Chicken and Corn
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the chicken in a single layer on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or cubing.
- While the chicken rests, rub the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat, turning every 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until charred on all sides (about 8 minutes total). Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with about 1/4 cup of the reserved vinaigrette until evenly coated.
- Divide the dressed lettuce among 4-6 plates or place in a large serving bowl.
- Top the lettuce with sliced or cubed grilled chicken, grilled corn kernels, red onion slices, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
- Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
For a milder heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. This salad can be prepped ahead: store the undressed lettuce, grilled chicken, and corn separately, then assemble just before serving. Avoid over-marinating the chicken; the acidity can break down the meat. Serve with crusty sourdough bread for a complete California-inspired meal. Leftover vinaigrette keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
